Senate Judiciary Committee Subcommittee on Crime and Terrorism Hearing with Assistant Attorney General Lanny Breuer, Nov. 1, 2011

Connection Between Wide Receiver and Fast and Furious

 

Assistant Attorney General Breuer to Senator Grassley: "I regret that in April of 2010 that I did not draw the connection between Wide Receiver and Fast and Furious."

FACT

In the spring of 2010, Criminal Division staff considered Operation Wide Receiver and Operation Fast and Furious related components of the same case.

On February 22, 2010, Gang Unit prosecutors Laura Gwinn and Joe Cooley, assigned respectively to Wide Receiver and Fast and Furious, emailed back and forth with each other about the connection between the two cases when some of the guns being trafficked in Fast and Furious were tracked to a stash house of one of the targets in Wide Receiver.

Because of those overlapping targets, Wide Receiver and Fast and Furious were considered associated cases.  When the ATF Phoenix Field Division assembled a PowerPoint presentation on Fast and Furious in March 2010, one of the slides listing "Associated Cases" with Fast and Furious listed Operation Wide Receiver.  This same PowerPoint was presented at ATF headquarters on March 5, 2010.  According to a March 11, 2010, memo from Gang Unit Chief Kevin Carwile, Gang Unit member Joe Cooley attended that briefing.

Concerns about those overlapping targets also led to delay in unsealing the indictments in Wide Receiver, as the U.S. Attorney's Office in Arizona had concerns that when the Wide Receiver indictments were unsealed it would tip off targets in Fast and Furious.  As the department wrote in its October 31, 2011, letter to Senator Leahy:

The documents produced today reflect that the Gang Unit prosecutor was ready to indict the Wide Receiver cases and unseal them beginning in the spring of 2010, but that the Assistant U.S. Attorney in the U.S. Attorney's Office in Arizona handling Fast and Furious believed that if the Wide Receiver indictments became public at that time they would negatively impact his case.  The Assistant U.S. Attorney therefore requested that the indictments and/or the unsealing of the indictments in Wide Receiver be delayed.  As a result of that request, Wide Receiver 1 was indicted under seal in May 2010, Wide Receiver 2 was indicted under seal in October 2010, and both cases were unsealed in November 2010.

In a July 1, 2010, memo to DAAG Weinstein and others, Gang Unit Chief Kevin Carwile described Fast and Furious as "a gun trafficking case with apparent ties to the Tucson case already indicted by [the Gang Unit]," which was a reference to Wide Receiver.

Finally, an October 18, 2010, memo under Assistant Attorney General Breuer's name that is addressed to the Attorney General and Acting Deputy Attorney General reads: "On October 27, the Organized Crime and Gang Section (OCGS) plans to indict eight individuals under seal relating to the trafficking of hundreds of firearms into Mexico.  The sealing will likely last until another investigation, Phoenix-based 'Operation Fast and Furious,' is ready for takedown."

Given all this evidence that the cases were seen as related by Criminal Division staff, Breuer's claim that he failed to "draw the connection" between the cases is not credible.  Since Breuer knew of gunwalking in Wide Receiver, if he knew that the cases were related then it's difficult to understand why he would not have prevented gunwalking in Fast and Furious.

Documents supporting the FACTS.
Thursday, December 1, 2011

Senator Chuck Grassley issued the comment below regarding new findings from the Government Accountability Office about dramatically higher rates of psychotropic prescription drugs being given to foster children over other children in Medicaid.  The GAO is finishing work on a report requested by Senator Tom Carper of Delaware.  Senators Grassley, Collins, McCain and Scott Brown joined in requesting the report.  The GAO today testified about its findings during a hearing of a subcommittee of the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.  A foster youth named Ke'onte Cook also testified about his personal experience in having to take several medications while moving from one foster home to another.

Senator Grassley's comment:

"Children in the foster system are about as vulnerable as children can be, so more should be known about the degree to which foster children are given psychotropic drugs and the rationale for doing so, especially given the dramatic findings of this report.  The federal government should provide, without delay, the recommended guidance to states for monitoring what's happening.  Prescribing patterns and adverse effects need to be tracked for the well-being and protection of these children.  An environment needs to be established where there's accountability for the degree to which these drugs are used in order to make sure it's not just for convenience and at the children's expense.  There's also a public interest in making certain Medicaid isn't being abused through over prescribing.  My oversight, combined with investigative reporting, has exposed a few doctors in Florida who prescribed higher numbers of psychotropic drugs than seem humanly possible.  That's the kind of pattern states and the federal government need to monitor and nip in the bud as problems develop.  Also, disclosure of drug company payments to doctors will help to identify doctors who might be inclined to prescribe certain drugs at high levels because of a strong relationship with the drug maker."

Background information:

Senator Grassley has worked to make improvements to the foster care system and to make it easier for children in foster care to be adopted into permanent, loving homes, including the landmark 2008 law.  The Fostering Connections to Success and Increasing Adoptions Act of 2008 requires states to strengthen oversight of medical treatment and ensure that foster children receive high-quality, coordinated services when their placements change.

In 2009, Senator Grassley and Senator Mary Landrieu founded a Foster Youth Caucus in the Senate to draw the attention of policy makers to the needs of older children in foster care and the importance of helping children in the foster care transition out of the system and to independence, without the support of family.

Separately, beginning in 2007, Senator Grassley made the case for requiring pharmaceutical and medical device makers to disclose payments they make to doctors.  The disparities he disclosed between payments that research doctors reported receiving and payments that were made by drug makers galvanized support for enactment last year of a reform legislation sponsored by Senator Grassley and Senator Herb Kohl which will require disclosure.  Under their Physician Payments Sunshine Act, drug, device and medical supply companies must file annual reports with Department of Health and Human Services delineating all payments over $10, and the information will be posted online in a searchable manner beginning on September 30, 2013, and then on March 31 each subsequent year.  Physician names, office addresses, and specialties will be posted along with the form and amount of payments.  Senator Grassley has said this reform will provide transparency and, in turn, greater accountability in medical research and practice.

Encourages People of Illinois to Support Our Veterans and Servicemembers at Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony

CHICAGO - December 1, 2011. Governor Pat Quinn today was joined by local schoolchildren to light the state of Illinois' annual holiday tree and launch the Illinois Heroes holiday card drive. Governor Quinn encouraged schoolchildren from across the state to take part in the annual drive by making holiday cards for servicemembers at the Landstuhl Regional Medical Center (LRMC) in Germany. Governor Quinn will personally deliver the cards during a visit to troops at LRMC later this year.

"We want our servicemembers who are spending the holidays away from home to know how much the people of Illinois care and appreciate their courage and selflessness," Governor Quinn said. "This holiday season is the perfect time to show our support and give thanks for our Veterans and servicemembers."

This year will mark the seventh time that Governor Quinn has visited Illinois troops and their families at LRMC. The center is the largest American hospital outside of the United States. For more information on how to participate in the Illinois Heroes holiday card drive, please visit OperationHomefront.org.

Illinois Department of Veterans' Affairs (IDVA) Director Erica Borggren and servicemembers from across the state also joined the governor at the tree lighting ceremony.

"During the holidays, it is especially important to remember those who sacrifice their all to protect us," Director Borggren said. "As we gather with our loved ones to celebrate the holiday season, we encourage the people of Illinois to keep our servicemembers in their thoughts and prayers."

Also in attendance were members of the Gold Star Families, who hung ornaments in memory of their sons and daughters on the tree. Choirs of students and parents from LaSalle II Magnet School performed during the tree lighting ceremony and presented cards to Landstuhl.

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Encourages Commitment to Prevention, Education, Access to Healthcare 

 

CHICAGO - December 1, 2011. Governor Pat Quinn commemorated World AIDS Day today by urging Illinois residents to support raising awareness, and providing access to education and quality healthcare in the global effort to stop the spread of HIV infection.

 

"There has been tremendous and groundbreaking work done worldwide to educate the public in the effort to prevent the further transmission of HIV," Governor Quinn said. "But as we observe the 23rd World AIDS Day, and the 30th anniversary of the first reported cases of HIV/AIDS, we must continue working globally and locally to reach our goal of zero AIDS-related deaths."

 

The Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS estimates that 33 million adults and 2.5 million children are living with HIV worldwide. As a result, the theme for the 2011 World AIDS Day - observed every Dec. 1 since 1988 - is "Getting to Zero."

 

Illinois has the 7th highest number of AIDS cases in the nation, with 38,265 cases reported since 1981, with half of those cases being African-American.  Of the Illinois residents diagnosed since 1981, 20,970 have died. The Illinois Department of Public Health sponsors several groundbreaking programs and funds many organizations statewide that aim to prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS. The department also provides access to healthcare services for those living with the disease, including an HIV/AIDS and STD hotline: 1-800-243-2437.

 

Other programs include :

 

  • Quality of Life Endowment Fund - Proceeds from the "Red Ribbon Cash" scratch off lottery game are used to fund organizations providing HIV/AIDS prevention and support services.
  • AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP) - Serves 4,100 low-income persons diagnosed with HIV/AIDS per month access life-saving anti-retroviral drugs.
  • BASUAH - Brothers and Sisters United Against HIV/AIDS program promotes HIV/AIDS awareness among communities of color, which are disproportionately impacted by the disease, through education, collaboration and community engagement. Visit BASUAH.org for more information.
  • Text 2 Survive - Allows public to find free testing sites and health events via mobile phone by texting "EVENT", "IL" or "ALERT" plus 5-digit ZIP Code to 36363. Spanish speakers can text "CENTRO" plus 5-digit ZIP Code to 36363.

 

At today's event, Governor Quinn was joined by Congressman Danny K. Davis (D-Ill.), State Sen. Jacqueline Collins (D-Chicago), Chicago Department of Public Health Commissioner Dr. Bechara Choucair, and Kathi Braswell, executive director of the Ruth Rothstein CORE Center, one of the largest HIV/AIDS clinics in the United States.

Governor Quinn also declared today World AIDS Day, presenting the following proclamation:

 

WHEREAS, preventing the transmission of HIV infection and stopping the spread of AIDS requires a worldwide effort to increase communication, education and action; and

WHEREAS, estimates from the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS on the global AIDS epidemic show that around 33 million adults and 2.5 million children were living with HIV at the end of 2009; and

WHEREAS, according to the Illinois Department of Public Health, Illinois has the seventh highest number of AIDS cases in the nation, with 38,265 reported cases of AIDS since 1981. Of those diagnosed with the disease, about 20,970 have died; and

WHEREAS, the World Health Organization has designated December 1 of each year as World AIDS Day, a day to expand and strengthen the worldwide effort to stop the spread of HIV and AIDS; and

WHEREAS, this year marks the 23rd anniversary of World AIDS Day and the 30th anniversary of the first reported cases of HIV/AIDS. While we have come a long way since then, there is still much more to be done; and

WHEREAS, the theme for World AIDS Day 2011 is "Getting to Zero" Global leaders have pledged to work towards universal access to HIV and AIDS treatment, prevention and care, recognizing these as fundamental human rights. Valuable progress has been made in increasing access to HIV and AIDS services, yet greater commitment is needed around the world if the goal of universal access is to be achieved; and

WHEREAS, the campaign calls on all sectors of society such as families, communities and civil society organizations, as well as governments, to take the initiative and provide leadership on AIDS; and

WHEREAS, this day in Illinois is commemorated by a number of events across the state, including the dimming of the lights atop the Illinois State Capitol dome and at the James R. Thompson Center in Chicago during the evening hours to coincide with the dimming of the lights at the White House in tribute to those infected with and affected by HIV and AIDS:

THEREFORE, I, Pat Quinn, Governor of the State of Illinois, do hereby proclaim December 1, 2011 as WORLD AIDS DAY in Illinois, and encourage all residents to take part in activities and observances designed to increase awareness and understanding of AIDS, to take part in AIDS prevention activities and programs, and to join in the efforts to prevent transmission of HIV and further spread of AIDS.

 

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WASHINGTON – The Coast Guard announced Thursday the interdiction of more than 2,470 pounds of cocaine, and the detention of 12 suspects, during three separate missions in the Eastern Pacific the week of Nov. 21.

The Coast Guard Cutter Bertholf, a national security cutter, and the Coast Guard Cutter Boutwell, a Secretary Class high endurance cutter, were on counter-drug patrols in  the Eastern Pacific Ocean.  Boutwell's crew intercepted a drug-laden fishing vessel more than 200 miles west of Ecuador while Bertholf's crew recovered cocaine jettisoned from a speed boat they were pursuing near the coast of Panama.

Of the 771 metric tons of cocaine known to be bound for the U.S. in 2011, more than 85 percent was transported on the high seas.  In 2010 the U.S. Coast Guard kept 73.9 metric tons of cocaine, interdicted in the maritime transit zone between South America and Central and North America, from reaching our shores, nearly double the amount seized by one million federal, state, local and tribal officials located on our land borders and in communities across the U.S.

"The pervasive threat of maritime drug smuggling that we witnessed in fiscal year 2011 is a good example of why we need modern capabilities like the national security cutter to protect our nation, "  said Coast Guard commandant Adm. Bob Papp.  "Dollar for dollar, the best investment of taxpayer money for ensuring U.S. security, defending our borders from threats, enforcing sovereignty, and guarding marine resources is in capabilities that enable Coast Guard persistent presence at sea where we can meet threats before they reach our shores.  With counterdrug operations, this strategy has enabled us to seize bulk quantities of narcotics at sea before they are offloaded ashore, separated between dealers, and then broken down for sale on our streets and in our neighborhoods."

The Coast Guard executed 120 drug interdiction cases in fiscal year 2011, keeping 75.6 metric tons of cocaine and 17.3 metric tons of marijuana from reaching U.S. shores.  More than 23 metric tons of cocaine have been seized since Aug. 29.  The Coast Guard also seized 40 vessels and detained 191 suspects in fiscal year 2011, which ended Sept. 30.

"The nation relies on the Coast Guard to protect against seaborne threats," Papp said.  "Our cutters are stationed in waters vital to U.S. interests and provide the law enforcement and military capability to respond to, interdict and deal with these threats."

The primary method of maritime drug smuggling remains the "go-fast" boat, which accounted for 58 percent of interdiction cases.  Self-propelled, semi-submersible vessels, commonly referred to as drug subs, accounted for 19 percent, while fishing vessels accounted for four percent of maritime drug smuggling activity.

Boutwell's interdiction began Nov. 23 when the cutter approached the Ecuadorian-flagged fishing vessel El Soberano, approximately 230 miles west of Ecuador.  The Coast Guard crew observed suspicious packages on board, saw there was no fishing gear on the deck and noted the El Soberano was towing a smaller launch.  The Boutwell's boarding team conducted a search of the fishing vessel, discovering 40 bales of cocaine weighing between 50 to 56 pounds each.  The boarding team detained all nine individuals aboard the two vessels and brought them aboard Boutwell.

"I couldn't be prouder of my crew for their vigilance and decisive actions during this interdiction," said Capt. Matthew J. Gimple, commanding officer of the Coast Guard Cutter Boutwell.  "For more than 42 years, the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Boutwell has safeguarded America's maritime interests - at home and around the world - saving those in peril, defending our maritime border, and protecting the maritime transportation system, natural resources and the marine environment.  We've had three interdictions this month, all of which were 200 miles or more offshore;  the ability to operate multiple, over-the-horizon boats and aircraft from our cutter for sustained periods is key to success."

Bertholf's action began five nautical miles west of Punta Caracoles, Panama, while the cutter was on patrol in Panamanian waters under the authority of an embarked Panamanian shiprider.  Bertholf was alerted by a maritime patrol airplane that a "go-fast" drug smuggling speedboat was in the area.  The crew of the Bertholf located the "go-fast" using the ship's Forward Looking Infrared sensor and radar.  The cutter's over-the-horizon boat was launched and its crew intercepted the suspect boat.  The "go-fast" fled, jettisoning about nine bales, one of which was recovered by the crew of the pursuing Bertholf over-the horizon boat.  The suspect boat eluded law enforcement using the cover of coves and islands in the area of the chase.  The pursuit ended as the chase neared the territorial seas of Colombia.  The marine patrol airplane identified a debris field from which seven bales and one kilo of cocaine were subsequently recovered.

Two nights prior, the crew of the Bertholf intercepted another "go-fast," netting two bales of cocaine and three suspects who were turned over to SENAN, the Panamanian Maritime service.

"My crew's response was exceptional during the prosecution of this case, and I'm proud to report we foiled these drug smugglers and kept the narcotics from reaching their ultimate destination - the United States," said Capt. Thomas E. Crabbs, commanding officer of the Coast Guard Cutter Bertholf.  "The Bertholf is one of the Coast Guard's newest cutters, unique to the United States and uniquely equipped to respond to all threats; it served the nation well during this case."

The Coast Guard Cutter Bertholf is on a 70-day patrol conducting counter-narcotics operations in the Eastern Pacific.  Cutters like the Bertholf routinely conduct operations from South America to the Bering Sea where their unmatched combination of range, speed, and ability to operate in extreme weather provides the mission flexibility necessary to conduct alien migrant interdiction operations, domestic fisheries protection, search and rescue, counter-narcotics and homeland security operations at great distances from shore keeping threats far from the U.S. mainland.

The Coast Guard Cutter Boutwell is on a 60-day deployment for counter-drug operations in the Eastern Pacific.  So far in this patrol they have been involved in three law enforcement cases resulting in the seizure or jettison of 3,800 pounds of cocaine worth $40 million.  The Boutwell and the Coast Guard's current fleet of cutters is from 30 to 45 years old, constituting one of the oldest fleets in the world while being one of the busiest.

The Boutwell and the 11 other original Secretary-class, high endurance cutters, are being replaced by eight Legend-class, national security cutters like the cutter Bertholf. The NCSs are faster, better equipped, more durable, safer and more efficient than their predecessor, and will allow the Coast Guard to continue and build on the proud history of service provided by their predecessor class, delivering a unique blend of military capability, law enforcement authority and lifesaving expertise wherever needed to protect American interests, today and for decades to come.

It's that time of year!   While children have visions of sugar-plums dancing in their heads, their parents are likely thinking farther into their future.  Rivermont Collegiate unlocks the potential in each student through personalized attention, superior instruction from dedicated faculty, and a reaffirming, family-like learning environment.

What are you waiting for?  Explore the educational options available in the Quad Cities!  Join us this December to see what Rivermont Collegiate is all about!

What: Rivermont Collegiate Open Tours

When: Tuesday, 12/6 - 8:30-10:00 a.m.

 

No appointment necessary!  Drop in!


This week's announcement that Medicare will pay for obesity screening and intensive behavioral counseling assists Robard's weight loss partners in treating more dieters who otherwise could not afford counseling.

MOUNT LAUREL, NJ, December 1, 2011 – On Tuesday, November 29, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced Medicare will pay for screenings and preventive services to help recipients curb obesity and the medical ailments associated with it, primarily heart disease, strokes and diabetes.

Beneficiaries with body mass index values of 30 or more can receive weekly in-person intensive behavioral therapy visits for a period of one month, followed by visits every two weeks for an additional five months, paid in full by Medicare with no copayment. Additional monthly sessions will be covered for up to six months afterward if the beneficiary has lost at least 6.6 pounds (3 kg) during the first six months.

To assist customers with this emerging opportunity, Robard Corporation already facilitates the training of weight loss professionals on how to counsel dieters as part of the vast number of free services it offers to customers to help grow their business. In addition, the average dieter on a Robard plan looses 2-4 pounds per week, thus aiding them in Medicare eligibility.

"This CMS announcement is further affirmation that the worldwide obesity epidemic must be combated with a united front," said Robard President Robert Schwartz. "We at Robard are proud to offer our partners the training, resources, and products required to help dieters improve the quality of their lives and decrease comorbidities just as we have for more than 35 years."

Robard's business development team works directly with their partners to grow their businesses, providing business planning, marketing solutions and operational support nationwide to corporations, hospital networks, physician practices, medical weight loss clinics, surgical facilities, and others.

For more information on Robard and its services, please visit www.Robard.com.

 

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Register for a chance to win a College Savings Iowa account.

DES MOINES, IA (12/01/2011)(readMedia)-- State Treasurer Michael L. Fitzgerald is encouraging Iowans to ring in the New Year with College Savings Iowa. "One of the best things about opening a College Savings Iowa account is that you are helping a child prepare for his/her future and taking advantage of a generous in-state tax deduction at the same time," Fitzgerald said. "To help remind Iowans about the importance of saving for college, College Savings Iowa is giving away a $529 College Savings Iowa account." For more information and to enter the giveaway, please visit www.collegesavingsiowa.com.

College Savings Iowa offers families a tax advantaged way to save money for their children's higher education. It only takes $25 to open an account, and anyone - parents, grandparents, friends and relatives - can invest in College Savings Iowa on behalf of a child. Participants who are Iowa taxpayers can deduct contributions up to $2,865 per beneficiary account from their 2011 adjusted gross income.* Contributions must be submitted by December 31, 2011 to qualify for 2011 state deductions. If the contribution is being mailed, checks must be postmarked by December 31, 2011.

Investors in College Savings Iowa can withdraw their investment federally tax-free to pay for qualified higher education expenses including tuition, books, supplies and certain room and board costs at any eligible college, university, community college or accredited technical training school in the United States or abroad. To learn more about College Savings Iowa, please visit www.collegesavingsiowa.com or call 1-888-672-9116.

*Adjusted annually for inflation. If withdrawals are not qualified, the deductions must be added back to Iowa taxable income. The earnings portions of nonqualified withdrawals may be subject to federal income tax and a 10% federal penalty tax, as well as state and local income taxes. The availability of tax or other benefits may be contingent on meeting other requirements.

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Investment returns are not guaranteed and you could lose money by investing in the plan. Participants assume all investment risks as well as the responsibility for any federal and state tax consequences. If you are not an Iowa taxpayer, consider before investing whether your or the designated beneficiary's home state offers any state tax or other benefits that are only available for investments in such state's qualified tuition program.

For more information about the College Savings Iowa 529 Plan, call 888-672-9116 or visit www.collegesavingsiowa.com to obtain a Program Description. Investment objectives, risks, charges, expenses, and other important information are included in the Program Descriptions; read and consider it carefully before investing.

Michael Heeren joins Jeff Luecke in boosting Paul
on eve of Dubuque Tea Party straw poll
ANKENY, Iowa - 2012 Republican Presidential candidate Ron Paul received the endorsement of a second Dubuque Tea Party co-founder on the eve of the grassroots organization's first in-person-voting 2012 presidential straw poll.

Michael Heeren, a co-founder of the Dubuque Tea Party, commended Paul on his adherence to tea party values and endorsed him for the presidency.

"Ron Paul is a champion of the Constitution and has dedicated much of his life to restoring the United States by following the three core principles that we prescribe to in the Dubuque Tea Party.  Dr. Paul believes in fiscal responsibility, free markets and a Constitutionally-limited government.  Since 1976 in the U.S. House of Representatives, every single vote he has made, without exception, can be traced to these principles," said Mr. Heeren.

"Ron Paul is the most consistent candidate and he can restore America to her greatness.  I endorse Ron Paul for President of the United States.," said Mr. Heeren, who lives in Dubuque and also is a Dubuque County Republican Central Committee Member.

When asked whether he was wanted to make clear he was speaking as a private citizen and not as one associated with the Dubuque Tea Party, Mr. Heeren replied, "No, I just want America back on track."

In addition, a Dubuque Tea Party organizer who already publicly supported Dr. Paul came forward to reiterate his pro-Paul stance, citing the 12-term Texas Congressman's economic policies and integrity.  Jeff Luecke - who endorsed Dr. Paul on June 13, 2011 - felt it appropriate to reiterate his support on the eve of the Dubuque Tea Party straw poll.

"As an individual who helped organize and lead the Dubuque Tea Party I personally endorse Texas Congressman Ron Paul as the Republican nominee for President of the United States," said Mr. Luecke of Oelwein.

"Ron Paul is the only candidate in the race who fully and consistently embraces the Tea Party movement's three core principles of a return to Constitutionally-limited government, fiscal responsibility and free markets.  While other candidates conveniently talk about the Constitution, only Ron Paul lives it with every vote he casts in Congress.  Ron Paul understands and even predicted the monetary collapse coming our way.  He's the only candidate willing to fix the problem rather than just pay lip service with cleverly-named gimmicks," said Mr. Luecke.

Enrolled in the Republican Party, Mr. Luecke is one of the original co-organizers of the Dubuque Tea Party and currently serves as a precinct captain for the Ron Paul 2012 presidential campaign.  He is affirming his support for Dr. Paul from the standpoint of a private individual and not on behalf of the Dubuque Tea Party.

The Dubuque Tea Party was founded in April 2009 and today it has approximately 500 members.  The first in-person Dubuque Tea Party straw poll will be held the evening of Thursday, December 1st at The Symposium Room of the Dubuque Best Western Plus, located at 3100 Dodge Street, Dubuque, Iowa 52003.  The Dubuque Tea Party in conjunction with Freedom Jamboree conducted the Dubuque Tea Party 2012 Presidential Straw Poll from August 25th through September 17th, and Ron Paul won it decisively.  Full results are as follows.

Ron Paul - 42.9%
Rick Perry - 26.2%
Herman Cain - 11.9%
Michelle Bachmann - 7.1%
Mitt Romney - 7.1%
Newt Gingrich - 2.4%
Rick Santorum - 2.4%.
Jon Huntsman, Jr.*
Buddy Roemer*
Gary Johnson*
Thaddeus McCotter*

*= 0 votes.

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